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"By sending plain clothes officers out on bikes, and pulling over drivers who passed too close, West Midlands Police began an education and enforcement action which changed driver behaviour and saw a reduction in reported close passes by up to 50 per cent.

Cycling is becoming increasingly popular

"We believe this is an efficient and effective way to reduce driving without due care offences and to get drivers to change their attitude to other road users, in particular cyclists.

“When drivers overtake cyclists they should allow as much space as when they overtake cars, 1.5 metres or approximately a car door width. Failure to do this puts cyclists at risk and the driver could face prosecution.”

"The Gloucestershire road safety team is delighted to be supporting this excellent police operation."

Allan Foulds, head teacher at Bournside School where the roadside education element of the campaign will take place, said: "Bournside is delighted to be working in support of the Gloucestershire County Council road safety team and the police.

"Educating road users about risks is a powerful way of improving road safety and the behaviour of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians."

Give them room

West Midlands Police has recently had its first conviction from Operation Close Pass.

A 60-year-old man was found guilty of driving without due care and attention after dangerously overtaking a cyclist. He was ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £1,038 after rejecting a £100 fine and asking for a court trial.